Easy to Stuff Manicotti

Discover the ultimate Italian comfort food with this Easy to Stuff Manicotti recipe, a fuss-free twist on a classic favorite. Featuring tender manicotti shells filled with a rich, creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses perfectly seasoned with garlic powder and Italian herbs, this dish is sure to impress. The secret lies in using a piping bag, making the filling process a breeze for even novice cooks. Topped with a hearty marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella, this baked pasta dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, and watch as this cheesy, flavorful masterpiece disappears from the table!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces Manicotti shells
• 2 cups Ricotta cheese
• 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 3 cups Marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil or cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2

Cook the manicotti shells in a large pot of salted boiling water for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions (they should be slightly undercooked). Drain and cool the shells in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.

Step 4

Transfer the cheese mixture to a large piping bag or a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Snip off the corner for easy filling.

Step 5

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 6

Carefully pipe the cheese mixture into each manicotti shell until full, and place the filled shells in a single layer on top of the marinara sauce in the baking dish.

Step 7

Once all the shells are filled and arranged, pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the shells.

Step 8

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara sauce.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.

Step 10

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 11

Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy your Easy to Stuff Manicotti!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2067.9 grams (2067.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3848

Total Fat 155.10g	199%
Saturated Fat 77.10g	385%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.00g
Cholesterol 722mg	241%
Sodium 4946mg	215%
Total Carbohydrate 422.00g	153%
Dietary Fiber 22.00g	79%
Total Sugars 26.00g
Protein 202.30g	405%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 4278mg	329%
Iron 12mg	64%
Potassium 1141mg	24%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.9%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 43.4%